Evaluation of stability of alginate-coated mango cubes preserved by the combined methods technology.
Azeredo H. M. C. de, Araújo F. B. S. de, Garruti D. dos S., Queiroz A. A. M., Pinto G. A. S.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, R. Dra. Sara Mesquita, 2270, Pici, Fortaleza, CE, CEP: 60511-110, Brazil.
Proceedings of the Interamerican Society for Tropical Horticulture 47 : 203-205
Abstract : The combined methods technology (CMT) consists of combining low levels of several preservation factors acting synergistically to inhibit microbial growth. The aim of this work was to evaluate stability of alginate-coated mango cubes submitted to the following methods: water activity reduction, pH reduction and addition of a chemical preservative. The cubes, previously dipped in sodium alginate and calcium chloride to form a calcium alginate coating, were osmotically dehydrated at 44°C in a 65.5°Brix sucrose solution with 2% citric acid and 0.2% potassium sorbate for 2 hours. The product was packaged in low-density polyethylene bags and stored under refrigeration for 3 months. The combination of methods was not enough to make the product stable, since the count of yeasts and moulds increased. The cubes lost moisture and colour during storage. The acceptance of the product decreased with storage time, although the mango flavour intensity did not change significantly.